CHASM Project Area

The initial CHASM Project Area shown on the map covers the inshore fishing ground of the Manhood Peninsula. However, decline in crab and lobster catch, the decline in sea water and habitat quality, and the increased quantity of marine sediment are being seen elsewhere along the UK south coast, and may reflect wider issues though it is not clear at this stage what these might be. The Sussex Estuaries Project extending from Selsey Bill to Brighton hopes to add clarity to the matter.

The map here shows the initial CHASM project area. Included are the inshore area where reductions in crab and lobster catch and other environmental changes in the marine environment were first noted. It also shows  wider area where sediment sampling has taken place, and where other factors affecting local crab and lobster catch are likely to be located.

Moving from west to east the area shown extends from the mouth of Chichester Harbour, round Selsey Bill to Pagham Harbour. The southern extent includes the A1 submarine site in Bracklesham Bay; Hounds Reef; the Grounds; the Mixon; Pullar; Looe Channel; the Owers and Eastborough Head.

Sediment samples have been taken from reference sites on the NAB Tower in the south west of the project area, and on the Hooe Bank in the southeast

Neighbouring and overlapping project areas with shared interests include the Sussex Kelp Restoration Project; Medmerry Managed Realignment; Selsey Bill & The Hounds Marine Conservation Zone; Solent and Dorset SPA; Sussex Bay and Chichester Harbour CHaPRoN.